When he described the C-Max Energi's recharging time, he said it would, “Leaf the competition behind.”

The comment got a laugh. It was in reference to the Nissan Leaf plug-in hybrid which takes about seven hours to recharge on a 220- or 240-volt charger. Ford says the C-Max Energi will recharge in about half that time on the same charger.

It was a humorous passing remark in an otherwise info-packed press conference.

But it was the moment buzzed about by folks later on the showroom floor.